Cannabis is reported to be the most commonly used illegal drug globally, and the UK is often cited as having a high rate of use. While smoking remains a frequent way to consume cannabis, edible cannabis products are becoming increasingly common in the unregulated market.
The Potential Risks of Consuming Too Much THC
In countries where recreational cannabis is legally available, edibles have grown in popularity as some individuals seek to avoid the health risks associated with smoking. However, while eating cannabis products bypasses the dangers of smoke inhalation, the delayed onset of effects can sometimes lead people to consume more than intended.
While THC, a key component of cannabis, is being explored for its potential therapeutic properties, consuming too much has been linked to negative effects. Because of this, research and clinical guidelines often suggest a low starting dose.
However, in the illegal, unregulated market, it’s often impossible to know exactly how much cannabinoid is in a product or to ensure that each product is the same. This lack of regulation increases the risk of accidentally consuming too much THC or even synthetic cannabinoids, which could lead to harmful side effects.
Identifying What’s Inside Illegal Cannabis Edibles in the UK
In a recent study, researchers from the University of Bath conducted a study to analyse cannabis edibles seized by police in the UK. Their goal was to understand the packaging, identify the amounts of THC and other psychoactive substances, including synthetic cannabinoids, and evaluate a portable tool for quickly identifying drugs in edible products.
The researchers examined 31 edible products provided by UK police forces in two separate groups. This included 24 different products and 7 duplicates to see if there were variations between batches. Where possible, they tested three individual sweets (like candy or chocolate) from the same package to check for consistency in THC content within the same product.
Key Findings from the Research
The researchers observed that 19 of the 24 unique edible products had packaging that closely resembled well-known children’s sweets. All products included THC dosage information and an ‘18+’ label.
The detailed analysis revealed:
- THC Content: THC was found in 28 of the 31 products (90.3%) and in 70 of the 79 individual edibles tested.
- – The average (median) THC content per edible was 13.28 mg, with some products containing as much as 91.18 mg.
- – Interestingly, two products (labelled 1.3 and 2.3) contained no THC at all, despite being labelled with doses of 25 mg and 60 mg per edible, respectively.
- Synthetic Cannabinoid Content: One product (labelled 2.1) was found to contain the synthetic cannabinoid MDMB-4en-PINACA. The average amount of this substance in three sweets from this product was 11.42 mg.
- Portable Testing Device: Testing of a portable device designed to identify THC and other drugs in edibles showed an accuracy of 94%. It correctly identified the presence or absence of drugs in most solid sweets/chocolates. The device was less accurate with THC-infused honey and ketchup products.
What These Findings Mean for People
These findings highlight several important concerns for individuals who may consume unregulated cannabis edibles. The fact that many products mimic popular children’s sweets is a significant public health issue, especially as the cannabis warnings on the packaging may be easily missed. This could lead to unintentional consumption of THC and synthetic cannabinoids, particularly by young people.
Although many products appeared to come from the same supposed supplier – ‘Magical Munchies’ – and featured a ‘universal symbol for cannabis’ associated with California, the researchers pointed out that no such registered company exists in California. This misleading labelling might lead consumers to believe the products meet certain quality standards when they likely contain substances of unknown quality.
Finally, the study revealed significant inconsistencies between the advertised and actual THC content of the products, even among individual sweets from the same package. Taken together, these findings underscore the potential risks of consuming unregulated cannabis edibles obtained from the black market in the UK.
The researchers also emphasised the value of effective testing methods, such as the portable device they assessed. This type of technology could be a useful tool for schools, police, and drug checking services as part of efforts to reduce harm and monitor drug trends in the UK.
Self-Treatment with Illegal Cannabis
Research from Curaleaf Clinic researchers suggests that approximately 1.8 million adults in the UK are currently using cannabis obtained from illegal sources to self-treat health conditions. For these individuals, it may be particularly pertinent to explore the option of a medical cannabis consultation. Obtaining cannabis through legal medical channels offers several potential safeguards.
Firstly, medical cannabis prescribed by healthcare professionals undergoes stringent quality control measures. This means that the products are typically tested to ensure consistency in their cannabinoid content and are free from harmful contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and other adulterants that may be present in unregulated products. This level of quality assurance can provide greater peace of mind and potentially reduce the risk of adverse effects associated with inconsistent or contaminated products.
Secondly, a medical cannabis consultation involves a thorough assessment by a qualified healthcare professional. This allows for a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific health condition and needs. The healthcare professional can advise on whether medical cannabis is appropriate for you. If you are eligible, they can make sure to prescribe the most appropriate cannabis strains, dosages, and routes of administration, along with monitoring your progress and making adjustments as necessary. This clinical oversight can help optimise your care while minimising potential risks.
Finally, accessing cannabis through legal medical pathways ensures that you are using products within the framework of the law. This can remove the legal uncertainties and potential risks associated with obtaining cannabis from the unregulated market.
If you are currently self-treating a health condition with cannabis sourced from the illicit market, you can check your eligibility for a medical cannabis consultation today.
